Residential
Residential Flat Roofing in Ottawa
Flat and low-slope roofs on modern infills, older row houses, additions, garages, porches and rooftop decks — repaired or replaced with attention to the details that keep homes dry.
The short answer
Residential flat roofing is roofing for houses with low-slope sections: full flat roofs on contemporary infills, rear additions, attached garages, dormers, porch roofs and roofs beneath decks. The same principles apply as on commercial roofs — membrane, drainage and flashing — but at a smaller scale, with more transitions to walls, siding and sloped roofs.
What this service covers
- Repairs to leaks, seams and flashings on home roofs
- Replacement of flat roofs on houses, additions and garages
- Transitions between flat and sloped roof sections
- Roofs beneath or around rooftop decks and terraces
- Skylight, chimney and vent flashing on low-slope areas
- Inspections before buying or renovating
Signs it's time for an assessment
- Stains on ceilings below a flat section or addition
- Water collecting near the back wall of an addition
- Ice dams or icicles concentrated at one edge
- Cracked, blistered or wrinkled roofing visible from a window
- Loose edge metal or flashing after a windstorm
- Planning a rooftop deck, solar or a renovation that affects the roof
How the process works
- Step 01
Your questions
Tell us what you've noticed and what you are planning for the house.
- Step 02
Assessment
We look at the roof, drainage, edges and every wall or sloped-roof transition.
- Step 03
Clear options
Repair, partial or full replacement — explained without pressure, with written scope.
- Step 04
Scheduled work
Property protection, neighbour considerations and daily clean-up are planned in.
- Step 05
Walkthrough
What we did, and simple guidance on how to look after the roof.
What shapes the scope
Every roof is different, so we don't publish flat prices. These factors drive the scope of work — see what affects flat roof cost for more detail.
- Size and shape
- Small roofs with many walls and transitions can be detail-heavy.
- Access
- Narrow lots, rear additions and limited laydown space affect logistics.
- Existing layers
- Older homes may have several past roofs to remove.
- Decks and fixtures
- Rooftop decks, railings or equipment may need to be lifted or worked around.
- Insulation
- Upgrading insulation can change parapet and door threshold heights.
Ottawa conditions to consider
Many Ottawa neighbourhoods — the Glebe, Westboro, Hintonburg, Old Ottawa South and others — mix older homes with contemporary infills that rely heavily on low-slope roofs. The junctions between new and old construction deserve careful flashing.
Rear additions often sit against a taller wall where snow drifts and meltwater collect. Good roof-to-wall flashing and a clear path for water to reach a scupper or drain are essential through freeze-thaw cycles.
Adding a rooftop deck, changing the roof structure or altering drainage may require a building permit. The City of Ottawa's permit guidance explains when one is needed.
Useful references: the City of Ottawa's “Do I need a building permit?” page and the NRC Energy RCI resource on roof insulation.
Frequently asked questions
My house has a small flat section with a sloped roof. Can you help?
Yes. Flat sections on otherwise sloped homes — additions, dormers, porches and garages — are common, and the transitions between them are often where problems start.
Can I walk on my flat roof?
Many membranes tolerate occasional careful foot traffic, but frequent use can wear the surface and walking on a roof carries real fall risk. If you want to use the space, ask about a properly designed rooftop deck.
Should I have a flat roof inspected before buying a house?
It is a sensible step, especially on infills and additions. A roof-specific inspection can complement a general home inspection.
Is a dark or light membrane better for a house?
Light-coloured membranes reflect more sunlight, which can reduce summer heat gain; dark membranes absorb more heat. In Ottawa, insulation and air sealing usually matter more overall. We'll discuss the trade-offs for your home.
Keep reading
Next step
Talk to us about your roof
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